Updated November 4, 2026
When hurricane season runs
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, and the National Hurricane Center is the official source for forecasts and advisories. Peak activity is usually late summer into fall, which overlaps with the first weeks of snowbird travel. Florida's state emergency management site, FloridaDisaster.org, publishes evacuation information, shelters and county notices.
As of this guide (November 4, 2026), the season is in its last month, but storms can still form until the end of November. Once December arrives, the risk to Tampa Bay drops considerably, which is one reason winter is the busy RV season.
What 2024 storms did to Gulf coast parks
Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024 left lasting marks. Pinellas County reported that Fort De Soto Park's historic fort, dog beach and both fishing piers did not reopen until January 6, 2025, after closing in September, with the causeway, boat ramp and East Beach reopening in late 2024 and campground Area 3 reopening in late 2024 (Pinellas County notice). The county noted that some areas might stay closed and to watch for debris.
At Myakka River State Park, the official page still says the Birdwalk is closed for structural repairs after Hurricane Milton, drinking water is temporarily unavailable, and boat tours are not running, though the campgrounds are not listed as closed. The lesson: damage can linger long after the storm, so read the park's alert section every time.
Before you book
- Know the cancellation terms. Resorts commonly require a deposit; for example, Sun Outdoors pages list a deposit of two nights or half the stay (whichever is greater) for stays under 30 nights, and $500 for 30 or more nights. Ask how storms are handled before you pay.
- Read the emergency page. Sun Outdoors resorts link an Emergency Updates page from each resort page; check it before traveling.
- Have a flexible route. Choose a park you can reach by more than one road, and keep an inland backup such as a state park in the Orlando or Polk area.
- Notice that amenities can close. Resort pages note that amenities may close without notice for weather or maintenance.
If a storm is forecast
Do not wait for an evacuation order if you tow a trailer or drive a high-profile motorhome; high winds are dangerous for RVs and they are not safe shelters. Follow your county's guidance at FloridaDisaster.org, and keep an eye on the National Hurricane Center forecast cone for your area.
- Fill your fuel tank early; stations can run short on gas.
- Keep documents, medications and pet records in one grab bag.
- Confirm that your campground's staff have told you what they require of guests, and follow their instructions.
- Move your rig out of the projected path early rather than late. Traffic builds quickly once an evacuation is announced.
- Save the campground's phone number and the county emergency line in your phone.
After the storm
Do not assume a park is open just because the sky is clear. Check the park or resort page and call ahead; official pages are updated as repairs finish. Expect partial service: trails, boat ramps, water and restrooms may return at different times. If you are headed to the Gulf coast in the weeks after a storm, consider booking an inland site first and moving closer to the water when the park confirms it is ready.
Our directory lists the status note we found on each park's own page, with the date we checked. Treat it as a starting point and verify directly before you travel.
Pack and prepare year-round
Preparation is easier before a forecast appears. Keep your tires, brakes, propane and batteries serviced, and know your rig's weight and height so you can pick a safe route. Save the phone numbers of the campgrounds you use; our directory lists the published numbers, such as Fort De Soto at (727) 582-2100 and the Florida State Parks reservation line at 800-326-3521. Keep copies of your reservation confirmations, insurance papers and registration in a waterproof pouch.
- Review your RV insurance and ask what it covers in a named storm.
- Take photos of your rig and belongings before each trip.
- Keep a battery-powered radio and spare phone chargers in your tow vehicle.
- Know two ways out of any campground you stay in.
None of this replaces official guidance. Local emergency officials make evacuation decisions, and their instructions come first.